How the Trump Administration Is Scrutinizing Federal Spending

The Trump administration has ordered federal agencies to subject hundreds of grant programs that account for trillions of dollars in spending to several ideological litmus tests, including whether the programs provide funding or support for abortion, “illegal aliens” or diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

The directive issued on Monday by the Office of Management and Budget is part of a swift and sweeping effort by the new administration to halt federal spending out of step with President Trump’s agenda.

In its instructions to federal agencies, the White House budget office told officials to answer a series of questions about each grant program that could determine whether it continues to receive funding. One asked: “Does this program promote gender ideology?” Another sought to ascertain if the program was sending money overseas. A third questioned if the program could “impose an undue burden” on the exploitation of domestic energy sources.

While that review is continuing, the budget office directed federal agencies to pause any programs that could violate a series of executive orders related to those areas issued by Mr. Trump.

Democrats called the move an abuse of executive power, saying it trampled on Congress’s authority over federal spending. On Tuesday afternoon, the freeze was temporarily halted by a federal judge in the District of Columbia in response to a lawsuit filed by a liberal advocacy group.

The announcement of the spending pause late Monday threw the federal government into chaos as agencies and nonprofits sought to determine whether they could continue carrying out basic functions. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, defended what she described as a review of federal spending and promised that direct aid to individuals, such as Social Security and Medicare, would not be affected.